Alabama Silver-haired Legislature seeks grandparents bill

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — An elected group of senior citizens has recommended the Alabama Legislature approve a bill to make it easier for people caring for grandchildren to tend to the financial and medical needs of the children.

The Alabama Silver-Haired Legislature on Wednesday recommended a bill that would allow grandparents without formal guardianship to approve medical care for grandchildren in their custody, to enroll the kids in school and sign papers allowing the children to receive government assistance.

The Silver-Haired Legislature includes 105 older Alabama residents elected from the state's House districts. The members meet in Montgomery and recommend to the Alabama Legislature bills aimed at helping senior citizens.